19 May 2018

Matt Hill Moves On

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The club can confirm that popular defender and Academy coach Matt Hill has left the club.

The veteran left-back has moved on after a two-year spell with the club, during which he had a stint as Assistant Manager and worked closely with the Academy.

He becomes the fourth player to leave since the end of the season after the departures of Javan Vidal, Adam Smith and Lee Knight were confirmed on Tuesday.

Matt joined Avenue from Tranmere Rovers in July 2016 and quickly established himself as an integral member of the playing squad after leaving his post in the dugout. He made 32 appearances in all competitions last season and was an influential figure throughout despite missing out on the play-offs through injury.

Manager Mark Bower paid tribute to the efforts and influence of the former Sheffield United defender after his departure was finalised:

“He’s been magnificent for us since he arrived. His professionalism, both on and off the pitch, has been a great example to the other players in the squad and he has performed consistently well over the past two seasons. He’s made a significant contribution to our improvement and his work in the Academy has also been a great help to our younger players.”

The manager also claimed that it ‘never gets easier’ to see players move on at the end of the season:

“Four players have left us this week and we’re in discussions with the rest of the squad. It is always a difficult time of the year and saying goodbye to players that have given everything for the club never gets easier.

Javan (Vidal) played in numerous positions for us and always gave 100% for his teammates. I’m sure he’ll have plenty of options this summer. Lee (Knight) had a frustrating season with limited opportunities and I hope he finds a club that offer him regular game time so that he can build on the potential he has. Adam (Smith) is a great lad who was unlucky with injury during his short time with us. I hope he can stay fit over the summer and show his undoubted ability next season.”

Everyone involved with the club wishes Matt all the best for the future and would like to thank him for his tremendous service.

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18 May 2018

Bower & Boshell Agree New Deals

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Gareth Roberts is delighted to announce that manager Mark Bower and assistant manager Danny Boshell have signed contract extensions that will run until the end of the 2020/21 season.

Former Guiseley boss Bower was appointed in September 2016 and guided the club to National League North safety in his first campaign. He took the reigns again in the 2017/18 season and led Avenue to a 7th place finish and into the semi-finals of the play-offs.

As a player, he made over 200 appearances for neighbours Bradford City and has now established himself as one of the best young managers in non-league football with Avenue.

Boshell was Bower’s right-hand man during their time at Guiseley, combining a role in the dugout with duties in the centre of the Lions’ midfield. He assumed the same role upon joining Avenue in September 2016 and made 28 appearances last season as the club surged into the play-off semi-finals.

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17 May 2018

BT Sports Vanarama National League Review

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League broadcasting sponsors BT Sports will be airing a full review of the Vanarama National League tonight at 10pm.

Why not tune in so you can relive all the highlights from what was a thrilling campaign.

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15 May 2018

Three Depart Avenue

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The season may have only finished a week ago but already Mark Bower is preparing for next season.

Negotiations are on going with a number of players but Mark would like to announce that Adam Smith, Javan Vidal and Lee Kight have all been released from the club.

Mark and the club would like to thank all three players for their efforts this season and wish them all the best going forward.

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15 May 2018

Adam Boyes Awarded Player Of The Month For April

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Adam Boyes has been awarded with the Vanarama National League North player of the month for April. Boyes was instrumental during the final push of the season which saw the team secure 7th place and a place in the playoffs.

Throughout April Boyes got things going, scoring the winner against Leamington before netting a double – including a last-minute winner to beat Boston United.

The experienced forward then grabbed another brace in the 3-1 home victory over title-chasing Harrogate Town.

But he saved his best until last. Needing a win on the final day at Kidderminster to break into the top-seven, Boyes popped up at just the right time. The predatory striker was on hand to poke into an empty net in the 93rd minute to send Avenue into the play-offs.

Well done Adam.

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7 May 2018

Avenue Bow Out After Brackley Heartbreak

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Bradford Park Avenue’s season was brought to an abrupt end as Aaron Williams’ 110th minute winner condemned Mark Bower’s side to defeat in the play-off semi-finals.

After the heroics of the previous weeks, Avenue named an unchanged starting eleven for their third meeting with Wembley-bound Brackley Town.

The opening fifteen minutes were tense, and understandably so considering the prize at stake. Successive deliveries from the left from Shane Killock failed to pay dividends, as both were hooked clear by the impressive Gareth Dean.

Brackley were soon appealing for a penalty as Steven Drench collided with Aaron Williams as the pair contested a loose ball but the official ignored the protests.

As the hosts began to take control of the game, James Armson spread the ball wide to Williams before darting into the box and getting on the end of his teammates’ cross. His header, however, couldn’t find the right side of the crossbar.

Williams continued to cause problems with his deliveries and the imposing Dean proved to be a threat in the air. The latter headed wide from a Williams cross and was ignored by the official whilst claiming he was shoved as he made a connection with the ball.

Avenue finally carved Brackley open when Frank Mulhern slipped through to Jamie Spencer, who saw his low drive deflected wide by the outstretched leg of Matt Lowe.

The visitors began to hit their stride as the half-time whistle approached and Spencer’s drilled effort fizzed agonisingly wide of the post.

Opportunities become increasingly frequent after the break and the Saints very nearly broke the deadlock through skipper Dean. He arched a header goal wards after meeting a Glenn Walker delivery but was thwarted by Nicky Wroe, who hooked off the line.

Avenue did, however, have opportunities of their own and Danny Lewis produced a string of spectacular saves to deny Avenue an opener. A powerful drive from Mulhern was tipped over the crossbar by the Saints stopper, who would prove to be impossible to beat.

Steven Drench then provided an impressive stop of his own, diving to palm a well-struck Shane Byrne shot wide of the post.

Mulhern had already tested Lewis with a drive from distance and did so again when his thunderbolt of a strike was scooped over the crossbar by the in-form goalkeeper.

He continued to be a thorn in Avenue’s side, keeping out a powerful strike from Oli Johnson in impressive fashion.

With both sides feeling the effects of the gruelling sun and competitive nature of the game, there was a lull in entertainment as the final whistle approached.

Avenue did, however, almost nick a last-gasp winner when Spencer slid across the box to Johnson who was dispossessed by Dean at the vital moment.

Boyes then failed to maintain his composure after Luca Havern had flicked into his path, drilling his effort straight at Lewis.

After the sides couldn’t be separated in normal time, extra-time was required to find a winner.

Five minutes into extra-time, Johnson was teed up by Boyes but saw his strike cannon off the back of Dean before being hacked clear.

Substitute Andy Brown then came close but could only find the stand behind the goal with his looped header.

On the stroke of the extra-time interval, Drench produced one of the most remarkable saves witnessed this season, tipping a Williams header on to the post when the net seemed destined to bulge.

Brackley delivered the fatal blow five minutes after the extra-time break as Williams stabbed into the bottom corner despite the ball seemingly being handled in the build-up.

Lewis ensured that the Saints advanced into the play-off final with an excellent stop to keep out a late strike from Wroe, before Ryan Toulson squandered Avenue’s final chance by skewing wide after the ball had fallen kindly for him on the edge of the box.

Brackley Town: Lewis, Lowe, Franklin, Byrne, Gudger, Dean (c), G. Walker (Murombedzi 90’), Armson, Ndlovu (Brown 91’), Williams, A. Walker.

Unused substitutes: Graham, Iaciofano.

Bradford Park Avenue: Drench, Ross, Atkinson, Wroe (c), Killock, Havern, Brooksby (Boshell 61’), Spencer (Toulson 109’), Boyes, Johnson (Vidal 98’), Mulhern.

Unused substitutes: Hall, Smith.

Referee: Martin Woods

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4 May 2018

Open Training Seasion – Saturday 5th May

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After another exciting week folllowing the playoff quarter final and securing a trip to Brackley Town FC on Sunday. On Saturday morning Mark and the team will have another light training session from 10:15 at Horsfall which is open for fans to come down and show their support.

It will also be the last opportunity to secure your spot on the coach travelling to Brackley Town FC on Sunday. Alternatively please contact Neil Fawcett on ‭07811959003‬.

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4 May 2018

Ticket & Parking Arrangements For Brackley Town

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Brackley Town FC have advised that the upcoming playoff semi-final game on Semi-Final game on Sunday 6th May, will be pay on the gate and no segregation will be in place. Match prices are as follows:

£12 Adults
£6 Concessions (Over 60)
£3 Under 18’s & Students
£0 Under 10’s

Brackley Town FC have also asked us to share the following information:

Brackley Town FC has restricted parking at its ground and following local residents complaints of inconsiderate parking resulting in police issuing tickets for illegal parking.

Match day parking is set aside for players,officials and authorised visitors including disabled vehicles with remaining parking on a first come first served basis.

Brackley Town FC encourage car sharing so as to reduce vehicle and environmental impacts and have introduced a car parking charge of £2 for cars and £5 for minibuses. Vehicles must park where indicated by stewards so as to maximise capacity and avoid obstructions.

Disabled vehicles and minibuses shouldensure they have pre- booked their places at least 24 hours in advance with the club and arrive at least 45 mins before kick off.

Alternative car parking is available in the town centre in Market Place and at Hinton Road opposite the Fire Station.

Please do not park in residential streets or cause obstructions as following residents complaints illegal and inconsiderate parking has become a local police priority and could result in any such vehicles being ticketed and / or removed by the police.

There are still places remaining on the Supporters coach priced at £10 for Adults and £8 for Under 18’s. To book your place please contact Neil Fawcett on ‭07811959003‬.

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